No More Rapes: End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Haiti

After she moved into a makeshift shelter in Dessalines Square, Champ-de-Mars, Haiti, “Suzie” and her friend were gang raped in front of their shelter.

 “After they left I didn’t do anything….I don’t know where there is a clinic offering medical treatment for victims of violence.” 

Because she was blindfolded, Suzie didn’t go to the police because she didn’t know who the men were that raped her.  She told Amnesty International that the police patrol the streets, but she’s never seen them inside the camp.

In the Haitian camps there are many women and girls like Suzie. It is therefore vitally important that both the international community and the Haitian government take immediate action to treat the issue of violence against women as a priority for the humanitarian and reconstruction effort in Haiti.

Beyond causing catastrophic loss of life, structural and institutional damage, the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti exacerbated pre-existing abuses of economic and social rights , leaving some of the most vulnerable internally displaced populations – women and girls – at high risk for rape and sexual violence. Amnesty International’s most recent report on Haiti address the high prevalence of gender based violence in the camps and the dire need for the rights of women and girls to be at the forefront of any and all humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.

Currently, U.S. policy makers have a critical opportunity to support the women and girls in Haiti’s camps and elsewhere. The prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in Haiti’s camps demonstrates the importance of President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Request– specifically, the importance of the programs and policies that are supported by the International Affairs Budget.  At little over 1% of the entire U.S. Federal Budget, the various programs funded through the International Affairs Budget help to secure the United States’ diplomatic, security and economic interests abroad—including helping to alleviate the circumstances of extreme poverty that fuel conflict and exacerbate violence committed against women and girls.

It is essential that Congress fully funds the International Affairs budget in order to ensure that the dignity and safety of women and girls in Haiti and throughout the world are fully respected and their rights are fully protected.  

Join us this week, in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s Week of Action, and take action now to urge Congress to fully fund the International Affairs Budget in order to better protect the rights of women and girls across the globe!

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9 thoughts on “No More Rapes: End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Haiti

  1. Rape is appalling, anywhere in the world but Shame to the Haitian men adding insult to injury and horrible crimes unto the mothers and daughters of your people. I feel the Haitian government is doing nothing about it or not nearly enough. This is the most disgusting thing the world see's about you… and there is more. Your people, your queens deserve much better. Justice on this matter will be had, most likely from a selformed militia that serves to protect the innocent, since the govt. can't or won't do it. It's not all of the men. just a gang or twenty of rabid animals. Find them! Stop them! and the crimes will stop. Protect your women! you can do it! All I can offer is prayers of strength and determination to you. Peace../ Every country has these same problems don't let them multiply!

  2. Rape is appalling, anywhere in the world but Shame to the Haitian men adding insult to injury and horrible crimes unto the mothers and daughters of your people. I feel the Haitian government is doing nothing about it or not nearly enough. This is the most disgusting thing the world see’s about you… and there is more. Your people, your queens deserve much better. Justice on this matter will be had, most likely from a selformed militia that serves to protect the innocent, since the govt. can’t or won’t do it. It’s not all of the men. just a gang or twenty of rabid animals. Find them! Stop them! and the crimes will stop. Protect your women! you can do it! All I can offer is prayers of strength and determination to you. Peace../ Every country has these same problems don’t let them multiply!

  3. The number of girls who go through this is mind blowing. Why aren't the policemen patrolling the camps as well? I'm sure they are aware of what's happening.

  4. The struggles women face are never ending. It seems like a curse. I am doing my best in these causes and I hope my contributions matter.

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